A global initiative is advancing mainstreaming of biodiversity across economic sectors in 15 pilot countries.
For decades, biodiversity conservation and economic development were often treated as separate goals. Governments focused on growing industries such as agriculture, fisheries, mining, and forestry, while conservation efforts frequently operated on the sidelines.
Today, a growing movement is working to change that approach. Through a global initiative known as BIODEV2030, countries are exploring how mainstreaming biodiversity across economic sectors can help protect nature while supporting sustainable development.
Implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and WWF France, coordinated by Expertise France, and funded by the Agence Française de Développement, BIODEV2030 operates in 15 pilot countries spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific.
The project aims to identify economic sectors that have the greatest impact on biodiversity and to bring together governments, businesses, scientists, and civil society organizations to develop voluntary commitments to reduce environmental pressures.
The concept behind mainstreaming of biodiversity across economic sectors is straightforward but ambitious. Rather than viewing biodiversity as an issue confined to protected areas and conservation agencies, the approach recognizes that many of the most important decisions affecting nature occur within industries that drive economic growth. Agriculture, fisheries, forestry, mining, livestock production, and energy development all depend on healthy ecosystems and can also affect them.
BIODEV2030 begins by identifying the sectors that matter most within each participating country. Researchers then assess how those industries affect biodiversity and how biodiversity loss could ultimately affect economic performance. Using scientific evidence as a foundation, the project brings together stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions. The goal is to create voluntary commitments that encourage more sustainable production practices while maintaining economic development objectives.
One example comes from Ethiopia, where BIODEV2030 helped build an evidence base for policy reform by examining how agriculture, coffee production, livestock management, and energy policies interact with biodiversity. Rather than focusing solely on protected areas, researchers evaluated the subsidies, regulations, and incentives that influence land-use decisions across the economy. The findings helped inform discussions among policymakers, industry representatives, and conservation experts about how development pathways could become more nature-positive.
This type of work is becoming increasingly important as countries seek to meet international biodiversity commitments. Scientists have repeatedly warned that biodiversity loss threatens food security, water resources, climate resilience, and economic stability. Mainstreaming of biodiversity across economic sectors addresses these concerns by embedding environmental considerations into the policies and business decisions that shape landscapes and ecosystems every day.
An important feature of the initiative is its emphasis on dialogue. Rather than imposing top-down regulations, BIODEV2030 relies on science-based discussions among stakeholders who may not typically collaborate. Businesses, government agencies, researchers, and community representatives work together to identify practical solutions that can generate both economic and environmental benefits. Supporters believe this collaborative approach increases the likelihood that commitments will be implemented successfully over the long term.
Collaboration among governments, businesses, scientists, and local communities is a key to mainstreaming of biodiversity across economic sectors. Multi-stakeholder approaches can help create development pathways that benefit both people and nature. Photo by Francisco Davids on Pexels.
The project also reflects a broader shift in global conservation thinking. Traditional conservation efforts often focused on protecting specific species or habitats. While those approaches remain important, many experts now argue that lasting progress requires addressing the underlying economic drivers of biodiversity loss. By engaging directly with industries, BIODEV2030 seeks to influence the decisions that shape the use and management of natural resources.
Participating countries have explored a wide range of sectors depending on their local circumstances. In some regions, agriculture and livestock production are priorities. In others, fisheries, forestry, mining, or energy development have emerged as key areas where biodiversity considerations can be integrated into planning and management. This flexibility allows the framework to adapt to different environmental and economic realities while maintaining a common objective.
Challenges remain. Biodiversity loss continues to accelerate globally, and translating voluntary commitments into measurable outcomes can be difficult. Economic pressures, competing priorities, and limited resources can also slow progress. Nevertheless, advocates argue that mainstreaming biodiversity across economic sectors offers one of the most promising pathways to address environmental decline at its source.
As countries work toward international biodiversity and sustainability goals, BIODEV2030 demonstrates how conservation and development can become partners rather than competitors. By supporting mainstreaming of biodiversity across economic sectors, the initiative is helping governments and industries recognize that healthy ecosystems are not obstacles to prosperity but essential foundations for long-term economic success.
